The FA alleged that in the 66th minute "the club failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion" - something the club has today accepted ahead of their 6pm deadline to respond.

But a club spokesman says Boro have offered an explanation as to why their players were so upset by referee Kevin Friend's decision to award a penalty against them in the second half.

"Middlesbrough Football Club have accepted the charge but have asked for mitigation," a club spokesman confirmed to The Gazette.

Boro players protest after Manchester City were awarded a penalty

Boro's players were left incensed with referee Friend after a dubious penalty was awarded to Leroy Sane, with the Teessiders feeling the German international was guilty of diving.

A melee followed the contentious call, with skipper Ben Gibson stepping in to calm down his teammates - and Man City striker Sergio Aguero converted the spot-kick shortly after.